Global beauty company L’Oréal has taken a major step forward by creating a new leadership role focused on innovation. On Wednesday, the French cosmetics giant announced the appointment of Delphine Viguier-Hovasse as its first-ever Chief Innovation and Prospective Officer, effective from July 1, 2025.
In this new position, Viguier-Hovasse will lead the company’s existing innovation teams and a special strategic department that investigates future beauty trends. Her goal is to create a modern and forward-thinking approach to beauty innovation. She will be part of L’Oréal’s executive committee and report to Barbara Lavernos, the Deputy CEO in charge of research, innovation, and technology.
Delphine Viguier-Hovasse is not new to the company. She joined L’Oréal back in 1997, bringing with her a background in engineering. Over the years, she has held several top positions, especially in marketing and innovation. In 2019, she made history as the first woman to lead the L’Oréal Paris brand globally.
During her time in that role, the brand saw strong growth. She helped launch popular products like Elsève Glycolic Gloss and Panorama Mascara, and led L’Oréal Paris’ participation in high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week and the Cannes Film Festival.
She also championed the company’s Stand-Up program, which fights against street harassment and has trained nearly 3 million people worldwide to intervene and support victims safely.
Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L’Oréal, said he is confident in Viguier-Hovasse’s ability to take the company’s innovation to the next level.
“Her exceptional track record of innovation and her strategic vision make her ideally suited to elevate our company’s innovation to new heights,” Hieronimus said. “Her forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the evolving beauty landscape will help us write the next chapter of the L’Oréal adventure.”
The move comes as L’Oréal continues to perform strongly in the global market. In its most recent earnings report in April, the company reported a 3.5% increase in first-quarter sales, with high demand in Europe helping balance out challenges in the U.S. market.
